By Shannon Leppky
October 30, 2025
The quality of connection to self and others directly impacts our well-being and our ability to flourish. (Klussman, Nichols, Langer, Curtin. 2020)
During my time as a Chief Human Resource Officer, connection was a key component of our corporate Culture Strategy.
Connection to colleagues.
Connection to one’s leader.
Understanding the connection of one’s work to the mandate of the organization.
Our strategy was purposeful. Multi-faceted. And it got results.
Increased engagement at all levels of the organization positively influenced business outcomes.
In 18 months, we not only saw a statistically significant increase in overall engagement and enablement. We saw a 19% increase in a link between one’s work and the corporate vision.
“My leader has partnered with me to improve gaps in bringing our culture to life,”
and an 18% increase in “I see a clear link between my work and our corporate vision.”
In the work I do within the space of Red Chair and at Red Chair Ranch, I have the opportunity to talk with people in various industries and organizations.
What I hear and see are individuals and organizations that are running hard.
To stay competitive.
To be innovative.
To serve others within systems that are in need of repair.
This in and of itself can be good.
However, it can have detrimental impacts on people if we are not strategic in how we connect, engage, and collaborate.
To take time to gain clarity about ourselves, others, and the system in which we work.
Clarity allows us to create.
Solve problems.
Be innovative.
When we have clarity, individuals, teams, and organizations flourish.
Connection starts with ourselves and then extends outwards to others. The Red Chair Ranch herd is masterful at helping us do this important work.
Connection is not only a business and organizational imperative.
It serves individuals, families, and our society.
Enabling organizations to flourish with a ripple effect into their communities.
The space of Red Chair enables us to connect with ourselves and others, so we can live and lead with purpose, connection, and intentionality.
If your organization recognizes the value of investing in its people, if this has piqued your curiosity, join IIL’s IPM Day and watch Shannon Leppky’s presentation on Unbridled Presence: The Transformative Power of Cultivating Presence and Emotional Awareness for Project Success.
Shannon Leppky is an executive leadership coach and team facilitator with over 20 years of diverse experience in education and business. Her corporate leadership journey culminated in the C-Suite of Crown Corporation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she served as the Chief Human Resource Officer and Vice President of Product, and was identified for CEO succession. She led people strategies that enabled the successful adoption of many multi-million-dollar business transformation programs.
She holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Manitoba, and an Executive Certificate in Management from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and holds a certification in Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC) through the Academy for Coaching with Horses in Colorado. She is also certified in Core Strengths and EQi 2.0 assessments.
